MECHANICVILLE - Michael J. “Coach” Cavotta, 73, of Leonard St., died peacefully at Grand Strand Medical Center, Myrtle Beach while wintering with his wife, who along with his loving daughters, were at his side. Born in Troy, July 11, 1944, he was the son of the late Dr. Michael and Mary Vacarella Cavotta, Mike was a graduate of Manlius Prep School, Syracuse and also Le Moyne College.
Mike started his career as a certified purchasing manager for Arrow Shirt Company in Troy, NY for nearly 22 years until its closing. During his time there, he was also part timing as a stagehand for local theaters. Upon Arrow’s closing, Mike began a long and prosperous career as a stagehand and set dresser for the Local 592 of Saratoga Springs as well as the Local 52 of NYC. Coach was involved in many productions of both television and movie projects but most notably his time spent as on-set dresser of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which he was with since its pilot show aired in 1999. Mike would often time make subtle cameos on the show either through his face or with different pieces of his life. At home, his infamous “den” was filled with memorabilia from shows that he was part of that he would proudly show off to visitors.
While home and during his spare time, Mike spent countless hours at SPAC, enjoying the spectacle that it offers. A fan of all sports, he was a loyal NY Mets fan who regularly watched their games and also visited their spring training camp in FL many times.
He was a life coach and amazing father to his beloved daughters, step sons and grandchildren, often times offering life advice to them that he thought would benefit their well being. A man with a big personality, nothing was stronger in Mike’s life than the care and love he gave to his family. They meant the world to him and likewise, he was their world.
Survivors include the love of his life, Linda Caldwell Cavotta, who although married since 2000, he has shared a life of love with for the past 40 years. Also his loving daughters Michele(Scott) Friedman of Plattsburgh, Dr. Nancy(Colin) Cavotta-Morton of Ballston Lake, Chrissy(Jennifer Muscato) Cavotta of Cohoes, step children David(Christine) West, Eric(Junco) West and Christopher(Jennifer Schacht) West, cherished grandchildren Ashley(Justin) Papalau, Alex Friedman, Raymond West, Bella Friedman, Carter and Cameron Morton, Ryan Muscato, great grandson Walter Papalau and sisters in law Susan and Aleta Cavotta.
In addition to his parents, sadly Mike was recently predeceased by his brothers Anthony and John Cavotta.
A Memorial Service will be held the at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 S Main St, Mechanicville, NY 12118 on Sunday March 11th at 4PM. Visitation prior to the service will be from 2-4PM. Those wishing to remember Mike in a special way are asked to make donations to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 in his memory.